Day 5

Breakfasted 7.15 with Rahul and staff and finally left after 8.00. It had been a great stop at Rann Riders but had eaten for too much.

It was a morning of diving through flat countryside which slowly changed from farms and villages to huge areas of villagers making salt.Then increasing industrial activity., wind turbines heavy trucks and traffic.

Our route tok us from Disada, through Patrick,
Dhrangadhpur,  Halved,, Malia and finally to our first destination of the day.

We visited the Living & Learning Design Centre (LLDC, a huge museum and workshop) near Bhuj. Fascinting displays and guided tour. Arrived about1.00 and departed at 5.00 pm.

Met guide PD and taken into a local village, and specifically to a local dyer who uses natural indigo, ,alum , etc. Watched weavers at their looms and then showed the indigo dying process with the vats of indigo (cake made from the leaves), crushed dates and Jagger (sugar cane) and water.

Viv bought a shawl while I sat outside and chatted to PD and the local family as they went about their evening chose of milking the Brahmin cattle, feeding the calves, etc. Given a shawl, most unexpectedly by the grandfather. The family had won the all-India weaving competition four times in the past.

A cricket game going on in the street at 8.30 as we left. Drove through crowded streets into Bhuj  a huge city substantially rebuilt after a devastating earthquake of 2001 when thousands died. Found Bhuj House hotel, a traditional home turned into a small hotel. As we arrived,  a mosque opened up with an evening call to prayer,  part of Ramadan. Shower and late meal with DK and Anita. Chatted to the owner (Johan?) before heading for bed at 10.00. It had been a busy dayRead more